I want to leave a disclaimer right away - if you decide to nitpick this recipe, then there are, probably, about 2-5 g of carbs in it (in tomatoes or olives, for example). But since most of the nutritionists consider all of the additions in the salad "free items", I prefer to think of it as a zero-carb option :)
I mentioned before that I've been struggling with a gestational diabetes diet, so I'm always on the lookout for something to fill in my tummy without the guilt trip afterwards. This salad was inspired by a local restaurant. Unfortunately, it was recently discontinued but since it's so easy to make at home, that's not much of a loss. It's filling and can be served as a separate meal with a side of brownie (right...)
CHICKEN CHOPPED SALAD
You will need (for 1 serving):
2-3 leaves of romaine salad or red leaf for a little extra nutrition (as much as you want really)
1/2 cup chopped, cooked chicken
1 boiled egg
1 roma tomato
1 cooked slice of bacon (I cheated and used real bacon bits, about 1TB. Or more because everybody likes bacon :)
1/3 cup olives, sliced
1-2 TB ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought, can add more to taste)
How-to:
Chop the tomato. I actually added some halved cherry tomatoes from the last of our crop this year instead. Slice an egg. Toss all the ingredients together, add dressing and enjoy immediately. The original recipe also asks for some croutons to top it with but since I'm trying to keep it as close to a zero carb version as possible, I omitted them. It's still delicious, and did I mention almost no carbs???
That looks very tasty. I have to watch the carbs because I have type 2 diabetes so will be featuring on my plate and sometimes substitute the chicken for tuna. Yum
ReplyDeleteCarolx
That looks really delicious Lena.
ReplyDeleteIf you are really missing your brownie you could always have a square of 85% dark chocolate (it's fairly low carb).
The other dessert I eat is a big bowl of whipped cream (no added sugar) with a few sliced strawberries or blueberries.
I'm definitely indulging on a piece of chocolate here and there :) It would be really hard to say no to chocolate completely for me. But I still miss the bakery... Sigh...
DeleteThat does look good. I might leave off the olives when I make it and add a little avocado.
ReplyDeleteAvocados are actually kind of high on carbs (about 15-17 if you eat the whole thing. Go figure since they are not sweet at all!) But they are loaded with other healthy stuff, so, definitely, a great substitute! I also like to add spinach and red pepper to this salad. Yum!
DeleteLooks deliciou, Lena. I'm happy that you are finding yummy options that work with your diet.
ReplyDeleteThat looks and sounds so good! This is a must-try for me! Thanks for sharing, Lena. I hope you are feeling well- you're almost there!!! :)
ReplyDeleteYum - I wonder what I could substitute for the chicken since I'm vegetarian. Maybe nuts?
ReplyDeleteI think, it would be delicious with nuts!! Nuts are my go-to low-carb snack right now :)
DeleteLooks great! I am doing a variation of a paleo diet so carbs are not on my plate either. I going to try this, minus the eggs. I really don't like eggs
ReplyDeleteI think it would taste great without eggs too! I would probably add a little more chicken then.
DeleteOh my that is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach!! I love everything in that salad and MUST give it a try. Thanks Lena for passing the recipe on:)
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful salad. It makes me hungry for one, lol...and I'll have the brownie side as well, ;=)
ReplyDeleteYou are too nice to nit pick and I think there is a law against upsetting a pregnant woman. Yes, I pretty sure about that.
ReplyDeleteAnd you inspired me to eat a salad for lunch! YUMMY!
This salad looks delicious!
ReplyDeletehttp://workintothelifeiwant.blogspot.ca/